Flight attendants need a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent to obtain a job with an airline. However, many airlines are now preferring to hire candidates with some college background. Some employees look for applicants with a degree in tourism, business, public relations, communications, hospitality, and social science. If you are hired to work on international flights, you may need to be fluent in a foreign language. You may also attend flight attendant school. In addition to education requirements, 1-2 years of work experience with a background in a service occupation (such as hotels or sales) is typically expected to gain employment as a flight attendant.
After a flight attendant is employed, airlines place the employee in their initial training program that lasts 6-8 weeks in their flight training center which is mandatory for certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Candidates complete training by going on practice flights and are then given the FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. In addition, you must pass the height and weight requirements and pass the medical and drug testing exams.
